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I'm 36 years old and currently own and run a retail business (not related to musical instruments in any way) with 8 employees. I am making an okay income, but like a lot of mom and pop retail establishments out there, I am faced with a lot of competition and challenges in today's world. Plus, retail is a drain. To be successful, I literally have to live and breathe retail most of my waking hours and that can obviously be tiring.

I have been considering other options and can't deny that guitars are a passion. I am an okay player, but I almost love guitars themselves more than playing them. I love reading and researching about guitars on the internet, in books, etc. I am constantly buying/selling/playing/inspecting different guitars. I take great enthusiasm in guitars with impeccable craftsmanship. I usually take a new guitar apart and put it back together shortly after acquiring....just to see how it's put together. I am comfortable with setups, truss rod adjustments, nearly any wiring job, and so forth. Pretty basic stuff. I can setup a Floyd trem guitar rather well and I also got my Fender Jazzmaster to play really well with 11 gauge strings and no buzz stop or other modifications (guitar is totally stock).

What got me to thinking about this is that I recently purchased a guitar that needs a fret leveling and crowning. In the past, I have tried all of the local shops for this kind of work and they are not up to par. Basically, the only tech I have been satisfied with is about 2.5 hours away (not convenient). I started searching for other guitar techs in my area and wasn't having much luck so I started reading about fret leveling on the internet. In that process, I not only got confidence that I might dive into giving this a try on my own, but at some point in searching I ran into a link to luthier schools. One was Bryan Galloup's website and when I started reading about his school I got really excited and made a huge leap in starting to think about the idea of becoming a guitar repair person.

As far as making a living, I wouldn't really be interested in being a luthier, but rather I'd be more interested in doing repairs. I see a real need for this in my area. I can't find a tech that is up to par and I know there have to be other people in my same shoes. My goal would be to setup a dedicated repair shop that specializes only in repairs (not just a facet of a music store). The tech that is 2.5 hours away joined with an amp repair tech and I could see synergy in that kind of setup. I have lots of other ideas that I won't go into as this post is already getting too long.

Back to my original question: how difficult is it to make a living as a repair tech and how long would it take to get established?

Also, one other big concern is my experience: I have always liked working with my hands and I have extreme attention to detail (co-workers call me anal retentive and perfectionist). But I'm not totally sure of my potential in this particular area. I certainly have the passion. I am definitely a driven person. As mentioned, I am currently running a successful retail operation. I have no problem with the business side of things as I've been involved in business in some way since I was 11 years old and I have a bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from Indiana University.

If I were to do this, I first want to tinker around on some fretwork and other stuff like previously mentioned, but I'd want to take it serious fairly early on. I'd be game for going to a school like Bryan Galloup's. Do you have any comments about that school with regards to what my goals are? Can they take somebody like me with basic skills but a lot of passion, and turn them into a viable guitar tech? Or do you have any other school recommendations?

This would be a major life change and is just something I'm thinking about right now, but I'd really like some input from some folks who are around this stuff everyday.

Thanks for your time and any info you could share!

Chad, Chad, Chad,
I think you are halucinating....Guitar repairs, espescially acoustic, take many, many years of expierence to become good at. This isn't something you learn quickly. I have been in the shop of a professional, and watched them. I witnessed one repair, to a Brazillian Martin guitar, that the braces came loose due to neglect. They took the top off, reglued the braces, and when they clamped the top back on, the side cracked. Off came the top, and the crack was repaired, and then the top went back on again. That's the kind of stuff they do. Truss rods have to be replaced, bridges have to be removed, necks reset, and so on. Not something for the faint hearted. Electrics are a different story. Mostly mechanical and electrical. But necks, etc. can be a challenge.
Maybe you could find a repair person and hire them, Then work with them and learn what you can. There is a lot to know with repairs. Building your own guitar is different. If you mess it up, it's yours. If you mess up a repair, you have a problem. You may want to keep your business that you are in, and try building one first. That would give you some insight to what is involved. If you have the means to go to a school, do that. I did it, and it was great. I have been a woodworker (furniture) for thirty years and I learned a great deal from the school. I loved it. I also learned how to inlay pearl, etc.
However, I am building for fun. Not profit. It is a rough way to make a living. You have to establish yourself. Same with repairs.
Good Luck with whatever you decide. I have the same love for guitars that you do. That's why I am going to build them.
Mike R.

Mike: Thanks for the reply. No hallucinating here. Maybe just a little over excited. I've been somewhat burnt out with my retail store and I've thought about lots of other career opportunities and this is one option that actually got me excited.

My original post was probably way too long, but at the same time I clearly left out some important thoughts. In no way do I think that this is something that I would learn in a couple weeks. Heck, I've been at the retail store for 6 years and I still learn something new everyday....if not every hour. I did insurance for 8 years and that was the same way. And I have absolutely no doubt that being a guitar tech or luthier would be the same way or even moreso.

I would be prepared to take on the learning process and if there is a school that would help with and/or speed up the process, then I see that as a good thing. And by "speed up" I don't mean turn me into Bryan Gallup Jr. in 6 months (that'd probably take 6 lifetimes).

Chad,
I would never want to discourage anyone from their dreams. But I have been around some pro's and watched them repair. It takes a whole lot of knowledge. But that was with acoustics. The way a lot of them learn is building. And working beside someone and learning from them. I talked to a young guy who worked at a guitar factory, and he said they will only teach you one thing in the process, otherwise, if you learn to much, you will leave and start your own business. They don't want you to learn it all. Most of the workers at Martin are like that, although I don't think Martin discourages people from learning.
There are lots of good books on the topic. You should read Wayne Hendersons book about Building Claptons Guitar. Wayne started out building, and then did repairs at Gruhns Guitars in Nashville. He is one of the top builders around. He talks about how he learned repairs in the book.
I worked some retail when I was young, and I know how boring it can be. But it pays the bills. Don't give up your day job till you have something else. You are right about one thing. It would be a fun job working on guitars all day. I do it now, but I am retired. But my wife still works. Most of the topics on this forum are about building, but you can find other stuff too. They have some folks that buld electrics too. I think they have their own area to blog. There is something for everyone, and lots of smart folks. I was surprised no one answered you yet. Maybe they are all sleeping. There are also lots of archived stuff to see. Lots of instructional videos, etc. Look at as much as you can, and you will get an idea of what it is about. Look around for a repair school. There may be one somewhere.
See ya,
Mike R

Really good advice here. All that I have to add is that if you are serious about this you should be reading and practicing on anything you can get your hands on. Start doing setups on your owns instruments, refrets, etc. Buy the cheapest hock shop instruments you can and see if you can make them play better, you could also intentionally cause damage and try and fix it. After you get your confidence up start doing repairs for friends free. This is one of those things that experience is absolutely essential.

Yo Chad,

So you asking "how hard is it to make a living soley doing guitar repairs?"

Well gee thats a really good question. The thing to realize here is

1) you already are alive
2) weather it is hard or soft is up to you.

at least having the passion is a good step in succeeding at anything...even cleaning pigs.

good luck
the
Padma

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I`ve been doing repair work in Nashville for a couple of years now,but just in my spare time.There are several pretty good repair shops in town now ,so it`s a tough nut to crack.I think to really succeed here I would need a retail shop somewhere other than my basement.I don`t think that will ever happen.None the less I have had a lot of fun and made a few extra bucks in the process.All the business I have had has been strictly word of mouth.If this is the way it stays I`m fine with it.I`m pretty much a realist.Anyway I own a small construction Company that has paid the bills for over 30 years,and I`m not about to give that up.All I`m saying is be realistic about your goals,and work towards that,but be willing to accept whatever the future brings.
James

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If you are in an area that doesn't have much in the way past the simplest setup... I would 1st ask:
Is there really a market for the repair work in your area?
Are there enough people in the area to support a full time repair guy?

Since you have already started a couple businesses... I am guessing you know how to answer those questions....

Now...
2nd... Don't quit your Real Job quite yet....
Maybe you need a little distraction on the side to take your mind off the constant crush of your real business... and doing some setup work on the side would help...

But.. Maybe it might also take up those last seconds of daytime you have left to spend with your Family and Friends.... and they already have to put up with that sort of thing if you have started a bunch of businesses from scratch...

Something else to consider....
A good Repair business lives and dies on the back of the Repair Guy... Frequently, they have trouble if something happens to that guy.....

Is your business like this too? Can you transfer some of the day to day workings onto another Employee... so that the business can make money with less of your personal time?

Here's another idea... Since you already know how to Run A Business.... Find a Top Notch repair guy who is sick of running a business and just wants to do repairs.... There are TONS of folks like this out there... Frequently, they aren't any good at running a business at all... Can't hack dealing with Customers... Hate dealing with Books and Taxes and Local Government Licenses and Phone calls and the like... But... They are Top Notch Technicians! Those guys need someone who can handle the Business end and release them from doing all that administrative stuff that they hate.

Thanks

John

We have a few similarities. I have been pondering a career change as well, I am 40 and have been a custom woodworker for the last 14 years. The guitar tinkering that I have done in the past was with a small local music shop. I would buy a used guitar from him and make it play well. I did some neck resets and plenty of setups. If I killed it I only ate the cost of a cheap used guitar. Most of them came out well and we started to trade for the next one.

As was pointed out, dealing with musicians as customer from a repair point can be tough. Broke prima donnas for the most part and those with money can be even more of a pain.

Selling used guitars that you have set up is a great way to get practice without the pressure of messing up a customer's guitar. As I am trying to do is really consider what parts I like and don't, and if I am going to make this change, I want to be specific and get it right.

Good luck
Rob

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I'm 43 years old and have had a passion for repairing and building musical instruments from the time i was 15. I still am not rich from it and also still maintain a real job since lutherie does not provide me with the medical benefits I need ( I'm diabetic) nor provide me with the great pension plan that i have. I could not afford to pay for the bennies with lutherie alone. I'm sure there are many here in the same boat. At your age 36 throwing away your career for what may just be a passing fancy for you is silly. What about the 8 employees who depend on you for a job? Now I'm not saying don't give instrument repair a shot but don't just abandon what you have that is putting food on your table and clothing on your back for what may be a pipe dream. You can do both at the same time if you are truly serious about it....Mike

I finished Brian's Journeyman program ( 2 month residence program) in October. I can assure you that I am in no way ready to begin my own acoustic repair business - maybe after the 6 month program you'd be closer to being able to repair but you will have only built 4 guitars at the end of 6 months. I definitely recommend his school but that alone will not get you there. His recommendation is to look for cheap, repairable guitars to begin working on. For electrics you might be able to get there quicker - I've done a couple set-ups and am beginning to feel more comfortable with them.

Mike

The best way to ruin something you enjoy is to try to do it for a living. Sorry to be just a stinkin wet blanket but it happened to me with motorcycles, took 10 years before I wanted to own one again......... Mikey

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I love building guitars!

Now THAT is a great tip, hard to resist when your having a great time doing the things you love when it's for yourself or friends, but worth the resolve to avoid jumping into once you've been exposed to some ungrateful SOB breath'in down your neck expecting what is just not deliverable for the cost of a restring.......be careful what you wish for, guitars are great company but most people who will bring them to you for repairs because they don't know how will also find it difficult to understand why you need to be paid properly for what you do.

I have two big tip for the prospective repair guy.

1: learn how to assess the work at hand accurately or you will find yourself going backwards really fast, there are plenty of old tricks for new players and you will go broke before you learn them all if you don't pay attention to detail.

2: Inspect each instrument as it come to you VERY carefully and do this BEFORE the customer walks away from your shop. Do not even remove the instrument from the case, instead get the customer to hand it to you with a simple "Well show me what you have there" statement. You would be amazed how many minor dings, dints and scratches "that was'nt there before" will suddenly materialise once the customer comes to pick up the guitar. Check the instrument on arrival and have the customer acknowledge each one as you go. This will protect you and impress the heck outta them with your remarkable powers of observation...no kidding it's true, a lot of people just don't look for stuff until they have someone else to blame for it.

Cheers

Kim

That may be true, but the only way to become "the best" at something is to make it your life. How much time I've wasted helping someone else be the best....

It all depends on what you want and what you're willing to accept.

I'd say build a setup room in the back of your retail shop and start taking whatever business you can. Eventually you'll see how realistic it is. Perhaps you can hire a manager to run your retail shop.

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I think Kim's advice is very good... and something you should carefully heed... There are many folks out there who "Forget" about some damage... major or minor... until they pick it back up from you....
"Hey, who carved my initials into the back and burned cigarettes into an Eagle on the sides... that wasn't there when I dropped it off"

Here is something interesting to consider.... from Bryan Kimsey (Setup/repair guy Extraordinaire)
It is basically a release form and disclaimer...
http://www.bryankimsey.com/music/disclaimer.htm

The guy has a reputation for doing top notch work, but here it is -- your guitar may get a scratch on it...

Thanks

John

This question roughly reminds me of "How do I make a million dollars in the stock market?" Answer: "Invest 2 million dollars".

That said, I think the best advice I heard was "keep your day job" and "build some guitars" on the side. in other words, chase your dream, but consider the advice you are being given... it's all good.

Mike

Kims post is some of the best advice posted here yet. And Mhammond has expressed quite accurately another truth. As someone who was successfully self employed in a retail/service environment for many years (and retired as a result of self employment), I can agree with these two sentiments in spades.

As you are already experienced at self employment, then the purely business side of what you are contemplating should be no mystery, so........... some other questions are:

Are able to do the work well enough to sell it to customers?
If you're not able, are you able to survive while you learn to do the work?
Are you prepared to accept a lower standard of living if the marketplace for guitar repair is not big enough to keep you in the style to which you are accustomed?
Do you dislike what you're doing right now enough to walk away from it?
Are you prepared to let one or more of your employees take over your existing business in a "buy out over time" fashion so that they can keep their jobs and you can keep some income while you leave?

Just some thoughts....

cheers

John (who worked 24/7 for 10 years, then sold the business to an employee on a "pay as you go" basis)

Thanks so much for your input everybody. Very, very insightful and helpful. I wanted to chime in and just say that I'm letting it all soak in and I have a lot to think about.

BTW, I have always heard the saying, "do something you truly love for a living". But I can see how doing what you love for a living could make you no longer love that given thing as much. That's kind of a defeating, depressing way of looking at things (it basically says that you can never be totally happy in a job no matter what you do), but I can also see how it could be reality.

Chad, be weary of the Siren song of 'Lets start a new business" especially a highly skilled business like lutheri.Remember: The 'grass is always greener...' But you will have to build a clientel, and you will have to have some 'talent' at doing the craft, and some speed. If anything try it 'part time after you have taken apart a few guitars and successfully put them back together.

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